JCPenney's New Year, New You Fitness Event With Karina Smirnoff From Dancing With The Stars

Karina Smirnoff from Dancing with the Stars hosted JCPenney’s New Year, New You Fitness Event in JCPenney’s SoHo showroom. Guests were treated to Karina's fitness dance classes that both burned calories and taught killer moves. I was so excited to begin my first official workout regime of 2014 with the DWTS legend! 

Karina and I were both dressed in JCPenney’s exclusive new Xersion and CityStreetActivewear lines.  

“These clothes are comfortable, super cute and sexy, and fit the body in all the right places,” said Karina. “It’s great that JCPenney has such a wide selection for every fitness level. I want a set in every color!”

Fellow DWTS Dancer Henry Byalikov also brought his expertise to the floor teaching salsa and high-octane routines to the excited participants. 

KiraKira & Alysia Reiner of Orange is the New Black Shopping Party for the Women's Prison Association

Alysia Reiner from the hit Netflix show Orange is the New Black hosted a shopping party with jewelry designer Suz Somersall from KiraKira to benefit the Women’s Prison Association. The event took place at one of my favorites places in NYC, the Carlton Hotel. 

I met Alysia and some of her fellow castmates from Orange is the New Black a few days earlier at the Eiji Salon event. Alysia plays corrupt prison administrator Natalie "Fig" Figueroa on the show. 

The next day Alysia emailed me about this great upcoming event she was hosting with accessories label KiraKira. 

Alysia and KiraKira’s designer Suz teamed up to a create a special WPA locket with 100% of the proceeds going towards the organization. The idea behind the locket was to create a piece that would embody the aspiring and courageous attitudes of the women of the Women’s Prison Association.

The Women's Prison Association works to create change in the lives of women and their families impacted by incarceration. Their programs make it possible for for women to obtain work, housing, health care, rebuild their families and participate fully in civic life.

Check out www.wpaonline.org to learn more about their work.

Chanukah with the Stars Benefit for Chabad North Haven in The Hamptons

Chabad North Haven in The Hamptons held their second annual Chanukah with the Stars benefit at the historic Van Alen Mansion on the Upper East Side of New York. The picturesque 1900’s mansion certainly set the mood for a magical Chanukah party.

The memorable evening included an open bar, delicious food, a holiday musical ensemble, menorah lighting and awards ceremony.

Event co-chairs were Devorah Rose, Randy B. Fields and Michael Heller.

Host Committee members included myself, Jonathan Frenkel, Lisa Brandes, Charles Glatter, Gilli Glatter, Sharona Hakimian, Joseph Krutel, Rachel Heller, Yehuda M Neuman, Denise V Wohl, Bradford Rand, Tovah Feldshuh, Isaac Reshad, Breanna Schultz, Jordan Schultz, Shira Sky and Jill Zarin.

I was so honored to be on the host committee and participate in the festivities.

Chabad North Haven in The Hamptons was just launched this past summer by Rabbi Berel Lerman and his wife Brocha Lerman. It’s the newest Chabad branch in the Hamptons, in addition to the other centers: Chabad of The Hamptons in East Hampton, Chabad of Southampton and Chabad of Watermill.

Chabad is the fastest growing and largest Jewish organization in the world today. The goal of Chabad North Haven is to create an environment where there are no labels and everyone is free to express their “Jewishness” and spirituality. Through their programming they offer a very relevant and meaningful experience to adult and children audiences alike.

In addition, they also offer Spirituality For All, which is an educational organization that holds workshops and classes teaching mystical Kabbalah. Their programming both in person and online empowers people to reach within their core and shine in all areas of their lives.

Visit spiritualityforall.org to learn more or donate.

Wand for Eiji Salon Holiday Party + Exclusive Interview With Host Jackie Cruz from Orange is the New Black

Jackie Cruz from Orange is the New Black hosted Eiji Salon’s fabulous holiday party to help celebrate the launch of Wand for Eiji. Accompanying Jackie were her co-stars from the show, Alysia Reiner, Jackie Cruz, Vicky Jeudy and Diane Guerrero.

Eiji Salon, New York City's elite hair salon on Madison Avenue and home of the “Dry-Cut” technique, collaborated with Wand, an exclusive custom cut natural wig and hair accessories company, to create the industry's first ever hair rental service.

Wand for Eiji is the first renting model to hit the beauty space, offering a chance to own various hair looks, in a renting format. Wand blends the best of Japanese design and aesthetics with highest quality youthful hair in the world in a multitude of lengths, styles and hue tones. As the name suggests, Wand is the transformation of a new and temporary look without the long term commitment and for a fraction of the price. 

Wand for Eiji Salon stems from Eiji’s creativity and keen eye for design. With 99% imagination and 1% technique, all of Wand wigs are cut, styled and individualized by Eiji Yamane, founder of Eiji Salon. Much like other renting models that currently exist in the fashion and accessories spaces, women are able to rent hair for a certain amount of time and return the item(s) when finished. Once returned, the hair is treated in specialty formula to ensure the wig is sanitary for the next client. Wand hair will initially launch with 4 wigs, each with different styles and colors, at different lengths and will eventually branch out with hair extension rentals.

Wand will be the first and only destination for renting wigs, available at Eiji Salon on Madison Avenue in New York City and online.

Audubon Young Members 2013 Fall Benefit

Photo Credit: Clifford Pickett
Joshua Pino and me 

I had the incredible opportunity of covering the Audubon Young Members Fall Benefit at trendy hot spot Avenue in New York City's meatpacking district. 

The event featured a silent auction and cocktails. DJ Luther Riggs worked his music magic as guests danced the night away for a great cause. 

The Audubon Young Members Group works to empower a new generation of conservationists by raising awareness about current environmental issues, providing opportunities to experience and foster a love for nature, and building a community of like-minded and committed environmentalists.

The Young Members board includes: Monica Brouwer, Ann Morrison Calvert, Alexander Cook, Stephanie Cozzi, Juliet Falchi, Jennifer Ritter, Adrienne Rudkin, Peter Stamm, Teddy Winthrop, Eva Yean. 

Host Committee – Chair Ann Morrison Calvert, Minot Amory, Brandon  Buchmayr, Christina Eberli, Lauren Douglas, Patricia Dunne, Kate Falchi, Amanda Goss, Taylor Colson Horton, Jessica Houghton, Nicole Howard, Winnie Lewis, Jenna Manula, David Mehlman, Douglas Graham Moore, Jr.,Carolyn Niemann, Arielle Patrick, Joshua Pino, Katie Jo Righi, Jeremy Rosenberg, Morgan Scott, Tucker Sharp, Austin Simon, Rich Thomas, James Tierney Tang, Kim Taylor, Amy Whang and Lizzy Wild.

As a Audubon Young Member you have the opportunity to assist in all aspects of conservation, including the protection of animals, ecosystems and the ongoing fight against climate change. This involves ground-level environmental education as well as advocacy for sustainable lifestyle choices. 

For more information about joining Audubon as a Young Member, or to donate visit: youngmembers.audubon.org. 

Vionic Footwear Spring 2014 Collection Preview At The London NYC Hotel

Vionic Footwear hosted a lovely preview for their new Spring 2014 collection for women and men at the LONDON NYC Hotel. Guests were treated to sweet treats, cocktails and massages. 

I was so excited to visit the LONDON NYC Hotel for the first time for this event. The preview was held in a suite with such beautiful views of Manhattan. I couldn't help but take a moment to stare at the innumerable shining lights of the city below me. There is nothing like seeing the grandeur of New York to remind me why I came here in the first place.

VIONIC with Orthaheel technology is a new fashionable and healthy footwear brand created by leading podiatrist Phil Vasyli. This innovative, contemporary brand promotes health and style from the ground up, uniting on-trend materials and silhouettes with proven technology. For Spring 2014, Vionic debuted a fabulous array of sandals, wedges, tennis shoes and slippers for women and a range of men’s styles from dress shoes to flip flops.  

GLITTERRINGS Jewelry Showroom Spring/Summer 2014 Preview + My Fascinating Fashion Destiny Reading by Renowned Numerologist, Lloyd Strayhorn!

Wearing a GLITTERRINGS necklace

I was invited to preview the new Spring/Summer 2014 GLITTERRINGS & Jill Zarin Jewelry Collections. It's so much fun to visit the GLITTERRINGS showroom as I always feel like a little girl in a candy store full of sparkling jewels. 

GLITTERRINGS introduced their new Numbers Collection inspired by renowned Numerologist Lloyd Strayhorn, author of "Numbers and You". Guests at the preview enjoyed mini numerology readings from Llyod. 

GLITTERRINGS is a leading manufacturer of fine fashion jewelry specializing in rings. They aim to redefine glamour, elegance, and luxury by creating outstanding designs for women who don't want to comprise quality for price or fashion.

CCOC Fall Fashion, Fitness and Philanthropy Event

It’s always such a pleasure to support the charitable endeavors of Chabad's Children of Chernobyl (CCOC) as the organization hits very close to home for me. One of their most recent events was the Fall Fashion, Fitness and Philanthropy event at EVR NYC. 

The goal of this event was to raise money towards their Chabad’s Children of Chernobyl Children at Heart Gala Dinner and Celebrity/Fantasy Auction.

Past Children at Heart Auctions have included Whoopi Goldberg, Jon Voight, Kathleen Turner, Burt Reynolds, Pierce Brosnan, Heidi Klum, Robin Williams, Steven Spielberg and many more. And this year's has more of the same excitement and glamour. You can bid on their currently open Celebrity/Fantasy auction items on their website.

Chabad's Children of Chernobyl (CCOC) is the only organization in the world that permanently evacuates and treats children from the devastated region of Chernobyl. To date, CCOC has saved 2,863 children on 99 rescue flights... and counting! 

For more information visit www.ccoc.net 

Zang Toi's Showroom Grand Opening Party

Designer Zang Toi and me

Fresh off the heels of his mega successful Spring 2014 fashion show, renowned Fashion Designer Zang Toi hosted an extravagant soiree to celebrate his new showroom location on the east side of New York. It was a privilege for me to be invited to both his fashion show and now his private celebration at his showroom right across Rockefeller Center. 

I arrived an hour into the start of the party due to a Summer downpour in New York which caused a lack of available cabs. Zang’s showroom was already full of mingling society guests, reporters and photographers. Zang was one of the first people to greet me. I can’t describe what an incredible feeling it was to know that one of the most iconic designers in the world knew who I was. It was a moment that I'll always treasure. Zang was dressed in his classic black suit and white shirt. 

Zang is truly a designer with the midus touch. Anything he produces shines with extraordinary opulence fit for a royal. In fact, Zang himself was recently given the royal title of Datuk Zang Toi by the King of Malaysia, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah. Zang is originally from Krai in Kelantan in Malaysia.

Zang came to New York at the age of 20 where he studied at the distinguished Parsons School of Design. In August 1989, he opened his atelier and soon after, U.S Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour featured Zang in March 1990 issue and was one of the first Asian designers championed by the renowned editor. In 1990, Zang was awarded the Mouton Cadet Young Designer of the Year which recognizes the top, young, U.S. designer of the year.

Since that time, Zang's work has been featured in major publications such as Vogue, Vanity Fair, Time, Newsweek, The New York Times, Financial Times, etc. Not only has he dressed Hollywood celebrities such as Sharon Stone, Elizabeth Taylor, Farrah Fawcett, Kristie Alley, Patti LaBelle, Gong Li, Eva Longoria, Fergie (Black Eyed Peas) and Heather Graham, but has also created luxurious wardrobe for philanthropists and royalty including Melinda Gates and Saudi Princess Haifa Bandar Al Saud.

HUGO BOSS New York Flagship Store Grand Opening Party

HUGO BOSS celebrated its Columbus Circle store expansion at the Time Warner Center in NYC with a black tie fete. The newly expanded store includes 3 floors, officially making it the biggest HUGO BOSS store in America.

The invite only guest list included A-list celebrities like Liam Hemsworth, Josh Duhamel and Woody Allen. The event featured a special premiere of an extraordinary video installation by renowned artist Marco Brambilla and a live orchestra with musicians from Julliard. HUGO BOSS collaborated with the Art Production Fund to feature Marco Brambilla’s work in celebration of their store expansion and to benefit the Central Park Conservancy. 

I was so excited to see the invitation from my friends at HUGO BOSS to attend the event and be a part of their special blogger Instagram campaign that evening. The premise of the campaign was to take an Instagram video of Marco Brambilla’s work with hashtag #HBNYC. Select videos were chosen to be featured on HUGOBOSS.com. I’m happy to report that my video made the cut! :)

Be part of the art with #HBNYC. 

For more information, go to www.hugoboss.com. 

The 10th Annual Style Awards

The 10th Annual Style Awards honored top talent in the fashion and entertainment industries. It was the perfect kick-off for the world's most prestigious fashion event, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, at Lincoln Center. Fashion icon Nicole Richie was the evening’s charming host. Mrs. Richie showed of her exemplary style by having multiple glamorous wardrobe changes in between hosting duties. 

The evening celebrated the accomplishments of top designers, athletes, costume designers, stylists, models, photographers, makeup artists, hair stylists and more.

This year's winners included: 

• Designer of the Year: Zac Posen

• Model of the Year: Kate Upton

• Most Stylish Athlete of the Year: Victor Cruz 

• Photographer of the Year: Patrick DeMarchelier 

• Hairstylist of the Year: Frederic Fekkai 

• Costume Designer of the Year – Film: Trish Summerville (The Hunger Games) 

• Costume Designer of the Year – TV: Janie Bryant (Mad Men) 

• Stylist of the Year: Rachel Zoe 

• Menswear Designer of the Year: John Varvatos 

• Most Visible Brand: Victoria's Secret 

The New York Botanical Garden Conservatory Ball: My Real Life Fairy Tale Experience

Ann Johnson, Chairwoman for the NYBG Conservatory Ball and me
Photo Credit:  Robert Benimoff 

The New York Botanical Garden Conservatory Ball was one of the most opulent and coveted society events of the season.

With ticket prices starting at $1,500, the evening brought out the crème de la crème of New York and Greenwich, Connecticut society.

The theme of the Ball was "An evening in the Italian Renaissance Garden of Padua" which was inspired by Europe's first botanical garden that was created in 1545 at the University of Padua, in the Venetian Republic. It was a breathtaking sight that could only be rivaled by the guest’s extravagant gowns and jewels.

A total of $1.5 million was raised that evening to benefit NYBG’s plant research, conservation and education.

The New York Botanical Garden is a museum of plants, an educational institution, and a scientific research organization. Founded in 1891 & now a National Historic Landmark, it is one of the greatest botanical gardens in the world. 

Visit nybg.org to learn more about the gardens. 

The Fashion Institute of Technology 2013 Gala

Photo Credit: Robert Benimoff

The Fashion Institute of Technology gala brought out the most glamorous and charitable individuals in addition to fashion icons and celebrities.

The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and the FIT Foundation honored longtime supporter George Kaufman (chairman, Kaufman Organization), Kay Krill (president and chief executive officer, ANN INC.), and Stefano Tonchi (editor-in-chief, W magazine) at this year’s annual gala at Cipriani 42nd Street.

My look for the evening was inspired by Elizabeth Taylor meets a classy Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. I wore a red form fitting THEIA dress which I paired with sparkling jewels and matching red lipstick. It was honestly one of my most favorite dresses to wear so far in my fashion career. It was the perfect fit and had the most beautiful draping that accentuated all the right parts of the body. 

FIT Gala Chairs included Pamela Baxter, president and CEO LVMH Perfumes and Cosmetics; Joy Herfel Cronin, group president, Menswear and Childrenswear, Ralph Lauren; Julie Greiner, chief merchandise planning officer, Macy’s, Inc.; Yaz Hernandez, trustee, FIT Board of Trustees; Jane Hertzmark Hurdis, global brand president, Estee Lauder; and Liz Peek, trustee, FIT Board Chair.

The Gala Honorary Committee included Reem Acra, Giorgio Armani, Dennis Basso, Edmundo Castillo, Maria Cornejo, Francisco Costa, Peter Dundas, Tom Ford, Monique Lhillier, Gilles Mendel, Narciso Rodriguez, Ralph Rucci, Angel Sanchez, Jill Stuart, Isabel and Ruben Toledo, and Vera Wang.

This year the FIT annual gala raised over $1 million dollars to benefit the FIT Educational Development Fund, which provides scholarship, technology, and student services support, among other priorities. 

UGG Australia's New Orleans Themed Fall 2013 Collection Preview Bash at the Bowery Hotel

UGG Australia threw an over-the-top New Orleans themed preview party for their new Fall 2013 collection for men, women and kids. In addition to boots, UGG presented a fabulous selection of hats, bags, gloves and flats.

The Mardi Gras like soiree was held on the rooftop terrace of the famed Bowery Hotel in New York City. 

My invitation read: “Please join us for the UGG Fall ’13 product launch: inspired by the storied walls of New Orleans. Enjoy a live performance by the High and Might Brass Band and fun food and drinks inspired by NOLA."

As soon as I walked into the preview all of my senses were taken over by the sights, sounds and delicious aromas of New Orleans. 

The Beauty Buster Awards

Stephen Marinaro aka TheSalonGuy and me
Photo credit: Carl Maiorino from Beauty World Monthly 

The Beauty Buster Awards was an exclusive media and beauty industry event hosted by Lora Condon, “The Beauty Buster.” The event was co-hosted by Next Vanity Salon and Lexington Plastic Surgeons, as well as brow artist Sara Kosmyna, who offered beauty services to the press and industry VIP's.

The evening brought together many of the featured beauty industry names in Lora’s upcoming book SPA WARS: True Stories From The Beauty Industries Front Lines.

My dear friend Stephen Marinaro aka TheSalonGuy invited me to this fun event which honored the Spa, Salon and Cosmetic industries’ top brands and personalities. Dressed in a dapper suit and tie, Stephen worked his interviewing magic with the evening's VIP guests.

I wore my favorite “Emma Silk” shirtdress and snakeskin belt by LOGUE London, a UK based brand by Celebrity designer Emma Logue. As Emma mentioned in our recent interview, the shirtdress can easily go from day to evening by unbuttoning a few buttons on the top or bottom. I'm a huge fan of Emma and her luxury shirtdresses. She makes each one so unique by adding pops of color like the mint green cuffs in this piece.  

ADDISON Fashion Week Launch Party Benefiting Kids in Distressed Situations

ADDISON, an NYC based clothing label threw a Fashion Week launch party to celebrate their new Fall 2013 collection and support Kids in Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S). The soiree was hosted by fashion blogger Danielle Bernstein of We Wore What and took place in an art gallery on the Highline. Fashion’s elite mixed and mingled as DJ’s Left as Rain and Lucas Walters (TUTU’S) worked their music magic. 

In supporting its mission to provide children from needy families with warm clothing, ADDISON donated one beanie to the Kids in Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S.) charity for every beanie purchased at the event. 

Kids in Distressed Situations, Inc. (K.I.D.S.) was founded in 1985 with the mission of providing new kid-essentials to children and teens who have been impacted by poverty and tragedy. 

ADDISON is a New York City-based label by Amy Hsiung that creates layerable, refined pieces which artfully fuse together feminine with borrowed-from-boys aesthetics. Their goal is to dress ADDISON girls with a polished and casual cool sense of purpose and style.

Tractenberg & Co. Designer Fall 2013 Press Preview

Tractenberg & Co, an NYC based Fashion PR firm invited me over for an exclusive sneak peak of their designer’s new Fall 2013 collections. 

Designers included: Berry Brown, Lolë, Rory Beca, Eileen Fisher,Patricia Nash, Natural Life, Maggy London, Nieves Lavi and more!

One of my favorites was Berry Brown, a luxury handbag line. I instantly gravitated towards their Chelsea NS leather tote.

The level of fine craftsmanship combined with a chic yet functional design really makes this piece stand out. (Note: I loved every single piece in the collection!)

You can't really tell from the above shot but the framed photo on the table features Socialite/Fashion Blogger Olivia Palermo sporting the same Berry Brown Chelsea tote that I'm holding.

Berry Brown handbags are known to be distinctly identifiable as they merge the historic fleur and jewel icons on Signature hand silk screen prints and sumptuous leathers. Trademark contrast piping and custom jewelry inspired hardware make each pieces a statement of innovative modern luxury. 

The Berry Brown collection is created with the finest lambskin, calfskin and silks using old world museum quality printing techniques finished with refined details. 

Alice Yim Summer Shopping Party at the Pamela Gonzales Boutique

Me, Designer Alice Yim and Fashion Lawyer Robyn Herman

Alice Yim, a lovely NYC based designer and a new friend of mine hosted a shopping party at the PAMELA GONZALES boutique in Soho. 

It was a perfect Summer evening of shopping and mingling with NYC’s most stylish souls. I went to the party with my fashionable lawyer friend, Robyn who rocked my favorite red skirt meets white shirt trend. Alice came over to greet us when we walked into the boutique. She was wearing the gorgeous “Kalina” dress from her namesake collection.  

With a glass of prosecco in hand we perused Alice's selection and chatted with fellow guests like our mutual friend Biana Borukhovich, a known fashion lawyer powerhouse in New York. 

SCENE Magazine's Debut Party For INSTRATA's Luxury Lifestyle Residences at Mercedes House

SCENE Magazine, a luxury society and fashion publication hosted a debut celebration party for the extravagant INSTRATA Lifestyle Residences at Mercedes House located on 550 West 54th Street in New York City. 

Strata at Mercedes House was conceived and designed by world renowned architect Enrique Norten. The building’s wedding cake design allows many homes to have their own private outdoor space for the perfect view of the city and Hudson River.  

INSTRATA includes 900 rental apartments across 4 prestigious locations at Brooklyn Heights, Gramercy, Nomad and of course Mercedes House. INSTRATA strives to raise the expectations of what defines the modern luxury rental apartment in New York. 

The Over-Analyst Blog Launch Party with Jenna Burke from ABC’s “The Bachelor”

I was invited by my lovely friend/PR Guru Jordana Hazan from Untapped PR to attend Jenna Burke's launch party for her new blog The Over-Analyst which covers fashion/lifestyle on a savvy budget. Jenna is fresh off ABC’s hit show The Bachelor.

The party took place at the Sanctuary Hotel in New York City. I’ve never been to the Sanctuary Hotel before and let me tell you it certainly lives up to its name. The stylish & intimate Sanctuary Hotel is a true refuge within NYC, offering personalized service and European-inspired hospitality curated by native New Yorkers. 

Guests at the launch party were also treated to specialty cocktails & scrumptious appetizers.

I chatted with Jenna about her time on The Bachelor, her new blog The Over-Analyst and her lovely style choice for the evening!